2007 Filipinas Magazine Achievement Awards

Los Indios Bravos
By Greg Macabenta

When Mona Lisa Yuchengco and her colleagues in Filipinas Magazine conceived the annual recognition of Filipino achievers in America a decade ago, the group of Filipino expatriates in 19th century Europe known as Los Indios Bravos may not have crossed their minds. But they were surely inspired by the same goal: to prove that the best of our people could stand proudly alongside the finest in the world.

Like the honorees in the Filipinas Magazine Achievement Awards, Jose Rizal, Mariano Ponce, the Luna brothers, Graciano Lopez Jaena and Marcelo H. del Pilar were minorities who not only survived but also excelled in a foreign land by means of their talents, strength of character and the power of their intellect.

Rizal was a man of many gifts, a poet, novelist, social reformist and, in the end, a martyr. Ponce was a skilled physician. Antonio Luna was a pharmacist-turned-revolutionary general. His brother Juan was a fine artist whose masterpiece won the gold medal at the National Exposition of Fine Arts in Madrid. Lopez Jaena was a propagandist who was called “The Prince of Filipino Orators.” And Del Pilar was an editor whose nom de plume “Plaridel” Philippine journalists now proudly identify with. 

They called themselves Los Indios Bravos, a pejorative—meaning “wild Indian”—that they defiantly transformed into an expression of ethnic pride; a way of distinguishing themselves from the Spaniards from the islands who, ironically, were called "Filipinos."

Having seen Bufallo Bill's Wild West Show in Europe, which featured native Americans, Rizal told his fellow ilustrados, “Why should we resent being called Indios by the Spaniards? Look at those Indios from North America—they are not ashamed of their name. Let us be like them. Let us be proud of the name Indio and make our Spanish enemies revise their conception of the term. We shall be Indios Bravos.” 
Rizal and his friends would, doubtless, have been pleased with the credentials and accomplishments of the recipients of the Filipinas Magazine Achievement Awards over the past nine years, as well as those who will be honored this year.

Like Los Indios Bravos, they rose above their minority status, ventured beyond their ethnic enclaves, competed in the American mainstream and excelled in their respective areas of endeavor.

The first set of awardees included Hawaii Governor Benjamin Cayetano, Public Affairs; Broadway star Lea Salonga, International Image; Pulitzer prize-winning journalists Byron Acohido and Alex Tizon, Communication; Silicon Valley pioneer Dado Banatao, Science and Technology; pop star Jocelyn Enriquez, Entertainment; fine artist Venancio Igarta, Arts and Culture; lingerie magnate Josie Natori, Entrepreneurship; affirmative action activist Lillian Galedo, Community Service; Health Net President Cora Tellez, Corporate Leadership; and UCLA Student Council President Mark Pulido, Youth Leadership.

The high standards of the awards have since been maintained, making the event the most prestigious in the Filipino American community.

As in previous years, the 2007 honorees have distinguished themselves in the professions, the arts, public affairs, community service and in corporate America.
In line with Filipinas' expanded role as "The Magazine for Filipinos Worldwide," this year's awards will also honor a man who exemplifies the limitless capacity of a Filipino to do good and to inspire others to do the same: Antonio Meloto, executive director of the phenomenal Gawad Kalinga.

Like Los Indios Bravos, they exemplify the best of the overseas Filipino.

Souvenir Programme

Arts and Culture: Randy Gener
Sponsored by One Ayala

Business Trailblazers: Milagros L. Yee and Clarita L. Go, Goldilocks
Sponsored by Wells Fargo

Communications: Lloyd LaCuesta
Sponsored by GMA Pinoy TV

Community Service: Arlene Machetta, Esq.
Sponsored by: Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Corporate Leadership: Corsee Dating Sanders
Sponsored by Robert Half

Entertainment: Dante Basco
Sponsored by Anheuser-Busch

Health Care: Dr. Connie Mariano
Sponsored by Seton Health Services Foundation

International Achievement: Antonio Meloto
Sponsored by Seafood City Group of Companies

Public Affairs: Jess Santamaria
Sponsored by AAA of Northern California, Nevada and Utah

Youth Leadership: Steven Raga
Sponsored by State Farm Insurance Companies